International Shipping & Freight Forwarding Blog

In our 34 years of international freight forwarding we've seen a lot! From the Cryogenic machines originating in the Ukraine and shipping to the USA, to water irrigation system exported to Algiers, North Africa, and to the flurry of importers shipping their wares from China to the US to be sold on Amazon... Countless cars and motorcycles shipped to Hakata, Japan and many other commodities to Europe or the Middle East...

In lieu of our regular blog, we wanted to address for all our export and import shippers the means to verify quickly the impact that the recent export and import tariffs may have on your shipments to/from China and Europe.

This is a hot, on-going topic that is at its inception and yet it seems to already be creating havoc for many both inside and outside of the shipping community.

In a previous blog post, I divulged on a preventable fiasco that was initiated from the shipper’s missteps and self-inflicted outcomes that unfortunately affected other parties. In fairness, errors of all sorts can come from your forwarders or their associates, so vetting the best team isn't a task to be taken lightly.

The logistics of freight forwarding and international shipping for the every day layman shipper is multifaceted. In a commerce environment, which is constantly evolving with new technologies and innovations, improving the freight processing and the quality of services that we provide remains a challenge.

Ourblogsare designed for the shippers with a no-nonsense approach, trying to convey in a concrete manner what shippers need to ship successfully. However, what blogs will not convey is the interactive aspects between shippers and their international freight forwarders. In any interaction, whether shipping or taking a walk in the park for the first time with a new friend, temperament and communication skills are vital.

There are many different types of motorcycle hobbyists. Some some strictly utilize their bike to ride around town, while others enjoy long trips down windy back roads. Then there are those who explore the world on the back of their motorcycle.

So, for the lucky riders that own a touring, long-range bike with navigation system and storage, you need to take extra care to enlist the help of your international freight forwarder to ensure that both you and your bike return home from your next international ride.

As an international freight forwarder located in Los Angeles, California, ETC Intl. Freight System is often tasked to import and export goods to and from East Asian countries like China and Japan.

ETC International operates out of any US port or airport, and we can schedule a pick-up from any inland points within the US. Recently, we've worked with a number of shippers that deal in parts - for vehicles and machinery namely.

When designating their international freight forwarding company, shippers must make sure of their aptitude and experience, particularly when shipping oversized/overweight cargo like vehicles, machinery, and parts.

One of the amazing benefits to being an Amazon FBA seller is the unique ability to work from whatever location that you see fit. While this may be awesome for your lifestyle, it poses its own unique challenges.

Many successful Amazon FBA sellers take advantage of low-cost manufacturing from places like China, and import their goods to the US making it challenging for them to have their hands on the manufacturing, packing, and shipping processes.

It's not often that we are tasked with shipping a vehicle overseas but it does happen. Most of the time when we are asked to ship a vehicle, it is part of a residential move and is shipped alongside household goods.

No matter the reason you're looking to ship a car, motorcycle, or boat, partnering with a licensed, insured, and bonded International Freight Forwarder can help you save time, money, and stress related to your shipment.

I am telling you.., this freight forwarding job isn’t boring. I have always felt that I needed to provide useful shipping information to my readers and our existing shippers.

You would think that 30+ years on the job would subdue my enthusiasm, but it definitely has not! Currently, our freight forwarding air import department has been handling weekly air freight shipments of machinery coming from of all places, Kiev, Ukraine. These shipments are air freighted, cleared through the US Customs, and dispatched all over the US with inland deliveries duty paid.

Disclosure: some opinions on this blog are mine alone. Any relation to any living or breathing thing is purely coincidental.